Chapter 28
(End of series 1)
It was a rather dull day at school as Naruto's gaze wasn't on his Math's class, but on the sky. Mainly due to the fact of how close it was to Christmas, so it made school less interesting. His gaze drifted about the class for the first time since he got there, and looked to Sakura, her head rested on her shoulders and sleeping?
It was a surprise to Naruto, Sakura always aimed to do well in class, so to sleep was troubling. He noticed his teacher's gaze on Sakura also. And she made a slow walk past the students and hinting at them to keep quiet. Some chuckled to themselves at how Sakura had been caught out.
But while this was all going on, Sakura was reliving her dream again. The full moon, the clow cards floating in the sky. And the figure out there, watching her…
The dream had gone different to before, as the objects in the sky that fell had become petals, then cards and now they had been identified as clow cards by herself, in her vision before vanishing from her hand. And the figure, her visions self, knew this person. And Sakura herself, there was something in the back of her half aware mind that knew this person from somewhere. The vision faded out as she awoke, she was not even aware of the figure before her as she spoke. "That was…" Mizuki smiled amused at Sakura.
"Who?" Sakura looked up startled, and then realising she had fallen asleep in class as everyone but a small group didn't chuckled at her being caught out. Sakura stood abruptly in embarrassment and quickly apologised. Mizuki stood herself, her gaze still had a light smile to it. "If you fall asleep in the classroom, you'll catch a cold." As the bell rang, Mizuki turned and returned to the front desk as Sakura sat down in relief. Talk about saved by the bell… "Well, that's it for today." But as Sakura watched on, she wondered, if their teacher, Mizuki. Was the woman in her vision?
As the day came to a close, Naruto left with Shizune as they departed with a wave from Sakura and Tomoyo. Once both had left, Sakura and Tomoyo walked quietly on route home. Sakura still slightly embarrassed she'd fallen asleep in class. "You not feeling well, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo spoke after a while of watching her closely.
"N-no," Sakura respond as she glanced back. "I'm fine." Tomoyo still wasn't sure though.
"It's just that you've been in a daze since the event at the quiz tournament. I know you don't want to think about it Sakura-chan. Just that I'm a little worried that's all." It still pained Sakura to think on that, because it brought up the other bad memories. But she was fine.
"I'm really fine," Sakura responded with a smile. "I have a strange dream often." Tomoyo looked down a second, she felt like she should have remembered this somewhere. But after a moment it became clear.
"You mean the one you spoke to Naruto-kun about?" Sakura nods, a little surprised Tomoyo remembered. Since it was about six months ago it all started.
"Yeah, the dreams are becoming clearer to me. So other than that, I'm fine." Tomoyo stopped and took her cousins hands in her own.
"Don't stress yourself out much, though. You and Naruto-kun have been through so much lately, that we're all worried about you." Sakura nods as she looked at the worried gaze. Sakura could only hope that was the last of what they'd faced. And right now, she needed something to keep the mood in good spirits.
And just out the corner of her eye, Sakura spotted the perfect thing as she took off with Tomoyo following curiously. "Is something wrong?" Tomoyo asked as Sakura called her over. There on the door of one of the many houses, was a Christmas decoration, even the tree outside had lights on. "That's right, it's almost Christmas…" Turning her attention back to Sakura, "Have you decided on all of your presents yet?"
"No, not yet." Sakura responded. "How about you, Tomoyo-chan?" Tomoyo chuckled with a smile. She'd already decided on a present for Sakura. Sakura smiled at that, before turning to walk off with Tomoyo in toe. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't even thought about presents, and two most importantly to her. One being that the fact Yukito's birthday is also on Christmas day, which meant it had to be a good present. And the other being, that after all they've been through. She couldn't think of what to get Naruto, and that made her feel bad. That she couldn't even figure out what to get the one closest to her for Christmas.
But she had time. She was sure she could figure it out by then.
X X
It was a constant plague now, what she had to get for Christmas. Genpaku and Sakura she was okay with. Both were going away for the holiday and wouldn't be back till before their classes started again. So they said no need on them. Her father and brother she had decided on. Ray was making sure that Shizune enjoyed her first Christmas there was a good one, but she found one for her. And also decided on something for Tomoyo too.
The only problem was Yukito and Naruto. Yukito, she wanted to make a good one for a gift. Since she cared a lot for the kind hearted male that was friends with her mean brother. But Naruto was a real hard one. Since she couldn't think of what he would like. All the clow card adventures and what had happened to them. Made her wonder if she could really find something to make him happy.
For someone who lost a leg and an arm. And small parts of his body… She really, really wondered if she could do something.
This continued into gym the next day, and as she stared into Naruto's back, trying to figure her puzzle out, that was what to get him. She didn't want to ask him, as it made her feel worse that he'd know she couldn't figure out what to get him. She knew he'd come up with something for her, he just has that thing about him. Most of the time he got her plush toys and each time, being the right ones she wanted at the time. Which did make her wonder if someone was giving him hints though…
"What should I get as a Christmas present?" Sakura could hear from Chiharu in the back row. Guess she was also having trouble.
"For Yamazaki-kun?" Rika asked to Chiharu's question who nodded in response.
"I was thinking of making something, but Yamazaki-kun's really good at that. Not to mention he can cook and knit better than I can." Chiharu waved to Yamazaki as he waved to her after his go at the task the teacher gave him like what had been given to the others. Yamazaki chuckled as he waved before being pushed on. Chiharu sighed as she still didn't know what to do.
"I'm sure Yamazaki-kun would be happy with whatever you give him, Chiharu-chan." Rika commented as she glanced over to reassure her.
"But I have a feeling he'd make a joke out of it…" As the three continued to talk behind her, Sakura continued to ponder as she tried to figure out her answer to her problem.
(Author musing: Yamazaki seems like an out of this world kid. Seriously, he's got to be the most gifted kid I've seen. XP Lying pro, can make beach balls appear so many times, not to mention break out of a sand pit and still crack in his tales. Just who is this kid?)
"What do I get them…" Tomoyo glanced over to Sakura as she heard her muttering to herself.
"The presents..?" Sakura nods as she glanced over.
"I decided on what to get for Tou-san and for Onii-chan. Also most of the Fujitaka residence, and of course, I decided on yours, too, Tomoyo-chan." But while Tomoyo smiled at Sakura, happy she was getting her a gift, Sakura was still stuck with her last two. One just sat in front of her and Yukito. After several moments and a loud out burst from Meiling, Tomoyo had an idea.
X X
'Damn… Not here…' Naruto mused as he looked at his playing cards before sighing as he sat back. 'What do I do… I'm never going to get it, it's impossible.'
"Naruto…" Glancing back from the tree, he found Li standing behind it. The male sat down and both sat in silence. Mostly because Naruto was surprised to be approached by him for some reason. It made him curious. "Look, we don't see eye to eye much." Naruto nods in agreement. "It's just that, I want to know something."
"You're asking me?" Li nods slowly. "Man, this is a first from you. So what is it? It must be important." Li sighed as Naruto stared into the sky.
"Shizune… What's the best thing to get her for Christmas?" Li asked calmly as he glanced round. Naruto was looking at him with wide eyes. "What's with that look?"
"Hehe," Naruto responded looking away. "Just that I never expected you to ask about something like that. Or even care… So, what's the deal then? Like her or something?" Luckily Naruto wasn't looking at him, Li's face was flushed.
"Just that, she's been a great help to me, she gave me a clow card, helped me when we've been injured and even saved me against Create. I've never seen anyone like her before, but she can also be a little frustrating… And her Tou-san, is very scary." Naruto sniggered. "What?"
"Nothing… But well…" He pondered for a while. "It's hard to get round that were even talking like this… So you'll have to forgive me as I always represent you as a brooding person."
"I don't brood." Li retorted as he looked round.
"Li, you were scowls and harsh words from the day me and Sakura-chan met you. So you can't blame me." Li sighed as he looked away.
"Anyway, are you going to tell me?" Naruto crossed his arms to muse. "Well, I'm making Sakura-chan something this year. Onee-chan's been helping me."
"Making?" Li asked curiously.
"Yeah, I'm putting a lot of effort into this gift. Sakura-chan's my best friend, the person I grew up with since an infant and she's my girlfriend. Presents are about who gives it to you and how they feel about you, more so than what you get, right? That's why I'm going to lengths for this gift."
"Hm… You have a strong bond then…" Li mused more to himself. But Naruto heard and nods, before both went silent. "How they feel…" Naruto glanced back, before standing.
"She likes things of Chinese culture. Maybe a fan…" Li glanced back as Naruto walked off. Li smirked and sat round looking to the sky. 'That's right… If you put your heart in to make or choose, it can be anything… Just like Meiling say's…'
X X
"Is the bag packed Genpaku?" Sakura called from her room.
"Yeah, just making some last minute adjustments for the trip." Genpaku mused with a chuckle as he put some important items away for the holiday. "Ah… This trips going to be, so good…" Genpaku mused grinning. He heard his phone ringing and picked up. "Moshi moshi, Genpaku speaking… Hm, Kinomoto-chan…?" Genpaku sat down as he listened.
Nodding slowly as Sakura looked into the doorway, Genpaku's features soften as he glanced to the phone. "Yeah, I understand… Don't worry; I'll help you out… Hm, yeah sure I'll get him." Standing as he covered the speaker, "Naruto, phone call!" Naruto ran passed the older female and took off again with the phone in hand.
"So," Sakura asked as Naruto left. "What's that about?" Genpaku crouched down by the bed and reached under.
"Just some change in plans… I'll tell you once we've left for the airport." Sakura nods as she went to her room. Genpaku pulled out a box as he did. "Right…"
Meanwhile, Naruto was sat in his room as Sakura walked to the door. "Festival huh?" Sakura caught from the conversation as she heard it. "Yeah, sure I don't mind. I'll see you later then, after… Hm, yeah… Okay, bye." Naruto set the phone down at that.
"You okay?" Sakura asked curiously to Naruto who nods.
"Yeah, Sakura-chan's taking Yukito-san to the festival this weekend for his Christmas present and birthday."
"Where she get the tickets for that? I barely got you one." Naruto nods, having thought about giving it to someone else since Sakura hadn't got one.
"Chiharu-san and Yamazaki-san gave her the tickets… I think it was a gift for her since what happened during the quiz..." Everyone was really worried back then. So it might be the reason why… "I said I'd met her there when I finished my training in the afternoon."
"Just don't overdo it, you're still growing and over doing your body will be bad. Remember, you have limits…" Naruto nods, he knew she knew what he knew about his body. But neither said a thing about it, as probably unsure how to proceed with the questions and answers. "Take care, I won't be able to help you get better if you get hurt training…"
"I know, I'll be fine Onee-chan." The older teen nods and caught Genpaku's phone. "Night onee-chan." With a nod she left the room and Naruto looked at his bed. Cards littered about it. "Still, not in this one either…"
X X X
"Well, I'll see you guy's later." Naruto spoke to Ray and Shizune as he stood at the gate. Both gave a wave back to him.
"Don't be back late. I have games prepared for the evening." Ray stated as he went inside.
"Just make sure you get your gift to Sakura, got it Naruto." Shizune responded. "Don't damage it with your training, or I'll beat you senseless if you do." Naruto nods with a grin. But he was sweating slightly, was she joking or being honest?
"H-hai…" Naruto said as he tugged on his white tracks and pulled his backpack tight. 'Right, off I go… I've got a long run ahead to get to the festival.' Naruto took a breath with a smile. Today was a good day, and took off down the road.
Meanwhile, Sakura and Yukito were walking about the park, having only just arrived. Sakura glanced about, enjoying the area in amusement. Yukito smiled at her excitement, it was good to see her so relaxed having been through so much in such a small time this year. "So, which one shall we go on first?" He asked kindly as he offered her a hand, too which she smiled and took it and followed.
Behind them, Tomoyo and Kero were following, both trying to look inconspicuous, but with a floating plush toy behind her, we're they really trying their best? Especially in her Yellow coat with a camcorder? Lowering the camera, Tomoyo sighed. "Sakura looks so happy. I think this was a good idea on her part, it takes her away from all the danger she's been in."
"I agree, after what both she and Naruto have been through. A good day like this will be good for Sakura..." Tomoyo nods to this, though she would have also liked to make Sakura's clothing as well for today. But with her as she was right now, it was more than enough to keep her happy. "Hopefully, Naruto will come soon. Least then it can give them time to enjoy what they can as they are."
"Huh?" Tomoyo asked curiously as Kero perched on her shoulder to answer.
"Fujitaka-san… He told me how hard it is on them two. He knows from experience what the signs are and he just wishes for all this to come to an end soon. They're kid's first, cardcaptors second. And not ninja, he never wanted this and he thinks that soon the pressure will get to them and something will go wrong."
"Do you know?" Tomoyo asked as she quickly followed after Sakura too keep sight of her.
"Because they've only been at it these 6 months and have taken on such harsh and power foes. They're bodies maybe adaptable, but everyone reaches a point at a young age if not trained properly. Where they make mistakes, and find it hard to cope. The fight against those ninjas during the quiz, is one such thing." Tomoyo glanced down worried. She hoped nothing went bad for them. But what could she do if it did…
Kero sighed sadly. "Even as her guardian… I can't do anything to help Sakura or Naruto… It feel so useless, and without fire or earth. I won't be any use for the long term coming."
Just out of sight, above the buildings of the park. A cloaked figure stood overlooking to the festival. The womanly image was clear behind the outfit, the face, bandaged up to the point where no hair or eyes could be seen in the dark opening. The one most notable trait was the star imprinted on the right visible gauntlet as she threw a scrap of paper into the wind and vanished like she'd never been there to begin with.
The paper fluttered through the air, as if following a trail. It struck its mark as it branded Sakura across the face. "Hoe!" Sakura yelled surprised as she quickly pulled the paper off. Yukito looked on slightly amused at Sakura's startle as she looked at the paper.
"You okay?" Sakura nods before he noticed a look of confusion as she threw the paper away. "Something wrong?"
"No… Just confused that's all… Anyway, let's go this way."
As both walked off to their first ride. Naruto was just entering the forest between the festival and park. It was a vast area, the woodland stretched on for many miles as it boarded off one side of the town. So it made a great place for runners, animals and all sorts. But as Naruto passed the entrance, he stopped and glanced about. It was like he felt a tickle on the back of his neck, like he was being watched.
But he sensed nothing more than that… Which made him nervous slightly, was there someone out to get him? Looking forward, he rushed off faster than before. And as he did, a fire began to form from the piles of leaves on the floor.
This was no ordinary fire, that's for sure.
X X ( Author muse: Sad moment for me and Jingo-san as on youtube, the blu-ray cardcaptors sakura was taken away from us T/_\T…. But we're still hard at work on both our stories. But if anyone finds it for us, please let us know at once! For now, were back with the old version of ccs…)
Having finished on the merry-go-round, Yukito glanced down to Sakura as they left the ride. "Having fun?" Sakura nods, she was. "What next?" Glancing about, she overheard a pair of familiar voices.
"Stay further away!" Her gaze turned to the voice, was that? "No, it's cold out!" And the other…
"Hoe?" Sakura's eyes widen in surprise as to who were walking about the park. Yukito waved as Li and Meiling stopped as they spotted them. "Meiling-chan… Li-kun…" Once grouped up, the four walked around the park together. Sakura and Meiling fell behind as Li walked rather robotic next to Yukito with his gaze stuck on the grey haired male."You two are here, too?" Sakura asked Meiling curiously.
Meilings gaze drifted over as they walked, "Even in Hong Kong, I spent Christmas every year in an amusement park with Syoaran." Sakura's gaze drifted over confused as she asked 'just the two of you' to her. Meiling gaze saddened slightly. "Along with all of Syoarans many older sisters…" Sakura quietened after that… Not really knowing what else to say. "Is he the one getting the present?" Meiling asked up curiously having wondered if the older male was the one Sakura was asking about advice from her for. Sakura nods slowly as Meiling looked forward, she then wondered something. "Where's your blond, whisker faced boyfriend off to then?"
"Training… Though… He should be in the park by now…" Sakura muttered as she glanced about. As she did, she spotted something in the air. 'Is that… Smoke?'
"So did you decide what to get him?" Sakura turned back to Meiling confused before pointing to Yukito. Sakura nods.
"Hai. Thanks to the advice you gave me, Meiling-chan." Sakura looked up slightly in thought. 'And I have Naruto-kuns here also ready. I hope he likes it, Genpaku-san said he'd wanted this for some time.'
As they moved from ride to ride, Sakura had become increasingly aware of the fact Naruto was late. And the smoke she could see was getting worse. Even when she was on the rollercoaster, she wondered if something was going on.
When they finally sat down to eat, not surprisingly to find Toya working there also. Sakura was becoming slightly fidgety as she glanced about. Toya noticed this, and wondered what was wrong with her as he went to get the orders.
"Naruto… Where are you…" She looked back to the black smoke…
"That fire's still going…" Meiling mused out in confusion as they all looked to the smoke. "I would have thought a forest fire would be easily put out." Sakura looked down, only to feel strange for a split second. "I would have thought a forest fire would be easily put out." Didn't Meiling just say that? Sakura looked up confused.
"Could be a fire from someone's garden. You know, burning wood and waste," Sakura's eyes widen as Yukito's body jittered and moved back a second. "You know, burning wood and waste." Sakura stood abruptly. "Sakura-san?" Her gaze drifted to Li, he'd noticed also.
"Forgive me, but I need to go… I'm sorry!" Sakura called out taking off as Yukito looked on confused. Li gave a short bow and quickly gave chase.
"Syaoran?" Meiling called out in confusion. What was going on?
'Time's gone back twice…' Sakura knew only one way that could happen. 'Naruto-kun… Why would you use Time… What's happening?' She glanced back to Li who was following her through the crowds.
"What's the fool doing, using time?" Sakura looked forward.
"Something's wrong. He wouldn't randomly just use Time like this. I have a feeling it's got to do with that smoke." Running down a side path Sakura pulled out her key. "Release!" Li called out to wait. But Sakura vanished before his eyes. She appeared in mid air over the park as she threw her card out. "Fly!" Landing on the staff, Sakura quickly flew over the forest. Her eyes widen as she felt the aura signature. "Clow card…" Spotting a flare of fire, Sakura dived on the flames, the forest was alight!
Below, Naruto was jumping of tree to tree. His spear was absorbing the flames. But his clothing was burnt. Mostly from the front as his back, barely had a scratch to him, while his breathing was getting heavy from the smoke made it hard to breathe in the area. 'Damn it… This clow card, it's incredibly strong.' The flames took the form of a fiery like angle and Naruto gritted his teeth as the figure smirked and unleashed another fire ball. Naruto shifted the staff's position and caught the flames and redirected it. The fire angle merely engulfed it. It was all Naruto could do, the fire round him was spreading rapidly and he couldn't do a thing to stop it.
The clow card was engulfed in flames and took on the form of a fire dragon. Naruto tensed as he prepared for the worst as the dragon unleashed an endless stream of fire. 'Oh no…' Naruto's eyes widen, he couldn't stop that, nor could he evade it without taking damage to his back.
"Watery!" Instantly a wall of water formed and it threw up steam. As the steam cleared, the clow card took the form of the flamed angle. Sakura stood at the front protecting Naruto as she held up a shield barrier defensively as watery kept at their front.
"Sakura-chan…" Naruto muttered before dropping down to one knee. Running to his aid as the shield dropped. Sakura wanted to know if he was okay. "I'm fine, just caught by surprise… Sakura!" Her gaze followed Naruto's to the fire clow card as it attacked.
"Watery!" The two elements of water and fire attacked each other and met off at a stalemate. "It didn't work… But water…" Naruto looked down before it hit him.
"It's got to be one of the top four!" Sakura looked back. "Water and fire are of equal attributes. They'll never break from an even combat."
"But…" Sakura muttered worried.
"We need to beat fire… You have to do some Sakura-chan, only you can! If you don't this whole forest will burn down. And not only that, the animals and other wildlife with suffer also!" Turning forward, Sakura looked on worried. What, what could she…
'Wait!' Her eyes widen, her mind went back to when she was struck in the face by the paper. It left her confused, but… Wind and water alone will never work; two must act as one, to break the balance of power. 'But…' Looking to the windy and watery in her hands, could she really pull off these two cards? They were at the top of the clow cards, the strongest of the lot.
"Sakura…" Closing her eyes, she had to do it. Naruto was counting on her.
"Don't worry…" Sakura spoke calmly as the fire spirit threw fire out at their sides, trying to scare them. She held her ground, she had to stay strong. "Here goes… Just watch!" Sakura called as she held up Windy and Watery. "Wind and water, work together and douse the burning flames!" Sakura called out as she twirled her staff. 'Please, fight with me one more time.' "Windy! Watery!" Sakura called as she swung down.
Naruto watched in awe as Sakura struck down on the two high ranking cards. 'Sakura…' He knew she could do it; she was the one who will gather all 52. She can do this! "You can do it!"
The two elements swirled together as one as the fire spirit unleashed a powerful fireball at the two. But against Sakura's will, Windy was able to cut through the fire as Watery backed it up to keep the air damp, so not to give the fire it's advantage with windy. The two spirits of wind and water grasped round their elemental counterpart and put the fire out with their efforts. As the spirit began to fall, Sakura jumped up and over the fire spirit.
"Return to the guise you were meant to be in. Clow card!" The fire spirit glowed and was engulfed into the glowing card at the tip of the staff. Windy and watery following as they returned to card state. She caught the cards as she dropped to the ground and landed gracefully. Looking at her cards, she turned to Naruto. "Not bad right?" Sakura called holding up the Firey card, with Windy and Watery.
"Heh." Naruto smiled lightly. "Yeah, not bad…" He stumbled forward to which Sakura caught him. "I was out matched this time round. Who would have thought a high ranking card like that was so strong."
"Sakura!" Both Naruto and Sakura looked across from them as Kero floated down before them. His gaze drifted about. The fire was slowly fading, for the fact Firey had controlled it all, and without it, the fire ceased to be.
"Kero-chan, what are you doing here?" Sakura asked confused, she was sure he was staying home.
"That doesn't matter…" Kero stated calmly as he smiled. "I must say, I never doubted it. I was right from the very beginning, that you can gather the 52 clow cards and become the new master. This capture of firey, proves just as much." Sakura's face flushed brightly at the compliment. But it wasn't all her, someone had to have helped her. "And watch!" Kero called out as he burst an aura of fire round him.
"Hoe…" Sakura spoke amazed as did Naruto as both looked on.
"As you can see I can see, being the symbol of the sun. If you want to get me back to my original form, you need at least the Firey card." Both the two looking had their eyes widen at that as Kero gained a golden glow.
"You can turn back to your original form?" Both asked curiously as well as excited. Kero continued to smile on as both faulted as he said 'not yet'. He didn't mind that, he had half his power back sort of. So raising his hand into the air and forming a burst of fire, both Naruto and Sakura regained their composure and looked on.
"I may only have a small bit of power back." Kero spoke out. "But it's only a bit more before all of the cards are collected."
"It's been a long run so far… But," Naruto spoke aloud in thought as he and Sakura glanced to each other.
"I'll continue to do my best!" Sakura responded. Kero nods as the three made a swift vanishing act from the forest.
As the day drew to a close, Yukito watched on at the Ferris wheel with a small smile as he glanced back to Tomoyo as Kero sat on her shoulder. "I missed my chance to film the best part again…" Tomoyo muttered sadly as this was getting repetitive lately. She looked up to the wheel, "I hope their having fun…" Yukito commented in agreement as he walked up. Kero pondered for a moment before floating off her shoulder. "Someone will find us." Kero shook his head.
"It's dark already, so it's all right. So, just watch." Both watched as he floated into the air.
Up above the ground, Naruto sat quietly as he looked out at the dark sky. Sakura sat opposite him quietly also, both content with silence.
"It's been a long run," Naruto spoke up first. "Hasn't it?" Sakura nods.
"Yeah… From fly to Firey… We've been through a lot." Naruto nods in agreement.
"From clow cards to ninjas… We've faced death in the face and kept on going… We've faced it together…" Both went quiet again. "But, I'm glad I went through it all with you." Sakura smiled.
"Yeah, I don't think I could have done this alone, if it weren't for you. You've been my help, even when you couldn't do anything…"
"Even now, I still can't, if I could. I would have been able to handle firey. You've grown more than I have Sakura. You're stronger than I'd ever be." She looked down embarrassed as Naruto reached into his bag. "Saura-chan…" Sakura looked up as he looked at her. "I wasn't sure how to go about this year's gift… But, I thought… I'd do this one myself… So…" He pulled out his gift as Sakura's gaze softened with a smile as he held the stuffed bear. "Onee-chan helped me to put this together. I… I hope you like it." He said handing it forward.
She smiled longingly as she held the small bear. But Naruto noticed her frown, "Don't you like it?" Sakura shook her head.
"It's not that, just…" She set the bear down as her gaze looked to the floor. "I… I couldn't decide what to get you this year… You really went out of your way for me… Yet…" She sighed, as Naruto watch her reach into her bag. "I don't even know what I got you… I had someone get me it… I feel really bad. Even after asking Meiling, and figuring out Yukito-sans… I just couldn't decide what to get you… The one closest to me, and yet…" She held out the envelope. "Here…" She muttered holding it out.
Her gaze never left the ground as he took it. She glanced to the bear as she heard him open the letter. He really did a good job on it, she wished she had done so just as much. She heard a shuffle and looked up. "Arigato Sakura-chan!" Sakura blinked surprised as he engulfed her in a tight hug. "You got me what I've been wanting for some time!" As he moved back from her and she looked at the card in his hand.
"A… card?" She muttered confused, what had Genpaku given her? Naruto grinned.
"Not just any card! It's Rainbow Neos! I've needed this card for ages! And not only that, it's a really rare type!" He hugged her again. "Sakura, even if you didn't intend to, you got me great gift… But," He faced her fully, "You, who is my friend, who I'm partnered too and to whom is my girlfriend and to whom is closest to my heart. I'm glad, even after some of the stupid stuff I've done during the time of the clow cards. You've stuck by me, even at the worst of times."
She hugged him back. "Because you made mistakes, you needed someone to help you back. Even though there are things we can't change. I don't think I'd change it now. It's made us who we are, and I'm glad… I'm glad you're still here, and so am I. Otherwise now, we may not be here, perished way before during loop."
"I'm glad you're still with me…" Both spoke together as they looked to each other and chuckled lightly.
"I really am, having you here now, is the best gift of all." Naruto stated and Sakura nods back as she felt the same way. But she caught sight of something outside the glass. Both looked out at the golden particles, it was amazing… Like gold snow…
Above the sky as everyone looked on, Kero was having fun with his new powers for a bit of Christmas spirit. And below, standing on the tops of the small buildings of the theme park. The cloaked figure looked on at the sky, before looking to the wheel and vanishing as she turned to leave.
Naruto and Sakura stood quietly watching, their hands laced together as their head rested against one another with a smile on their faces.
For it truly was a year, they would never forget. As it's one that's made them stronger than they ever thought, and there was a new year to come and with it, more clow cards and challenges they must face.
The adventure may only be halfway, but with each card. Judgement day, draws near…
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I thank all those who have continued to read this series so far. You are a dedicated lot and I'm thankful. I do hope you guys did read the last chapter, it was Naruto Sakura(k) based when I made the chapter.
I feel great! With episode 35 now done and dusted, it's time to get back to the digital world. Naruto's got his work cut out for him in the next chapter. So to all my fans off ccsn, thank you and good night! Till we meet again.
Best regards, Gogeta XP
Remember, any questions. Feel free to ask!
